Chapter 10

When Darcy and Richard departed from Hunsford, there was so much to be said that nothing at all was spoken, not one word passed between them, nor even a grunt of acknowledgement; nearly a full hour of silence followed. They both continued on for miles ignoring one another, as though peering out opposite windows of the carriage was the only sensible occupation after such a remarkable series of events.

For his part, Colonel Fitzwilliam was attempting to govern his temper. His ward may very well be exposed; his cousin was evidently in love with the woman who meant to expose her, and it now seemed there was a great deal of insult inciting her temper to boil over into further action. Incredulity overwhelmed him, he was not in the least inclined to believe Darcy's interference was officious prior to this morning's revelations. Darcy had made himself sound a hero, not the villain, when relaying the narrative, as though there was no motive aside from saving his friend.

He had always trusted his cousin's integrity and honor, and without question. Now he found matters had been not only concealed from Bingley, but from himself in regard to his ward. I'm no youth, things hardly need kept from me for my benefit, it was kept from me for your convenience, he thought, while glaring at Darcy. This conversation must had, and soon, but he was not yet master of himself enough to have it. He hardly wished to fire off verbal bullets that could damage relations with his nearest connection, but he was also not the sort to ignore such a slight, nor back down from a battle of wills.

For Darcy's part, his thoughts were almost firmly fixed on the danger he had now put his sister in - except for Elizabeth's specter claiming her fair share of his attention. The memory of her certainly had power over him, his imaginings often returned to her when his focus ought to be elsewhere. Unlike the colonel, his incredulity was spent on Elizabeth thinking so little of him, he had not yet considered the coming confrontation with his cousin.

It took not more than another quarter of an hour before Colonel Fitzwilliam's ire overcame him. Finally speaking, he said, "Darcy, I demand to know what you were thinking. What were you about when you were visiting Bingley's estate? Furthermore, what is the business with Miss Bennet's sister. I cannot now believe I have heard the half of it, considering the description of her character I have just received."

"This is hardly the time to discuss it, Richard," Darcy muttered and turned away, hoping to again be alone with his thoughts.

"Tis the only time to discuss it. I can hardly allow you to pretend this conversation can be delayed, Darcy, not more than a fortnight after we arrive in London so will a very cross Miss Bennet. More importantly, she could be sending letters there even now, relaying all she has learned." replied Richard, quite firmly, determined not to give way.

"I am of no mind to discuss it," replied Darcy. "Surely, in a few weeks' time, Elizabeth's ire will have lost its sting. Perhaps an apology is in order." He was still concerned for Georgianna's sake, but he hardly thought it a help to have Richard drawing up war plans to aid their ward.

"And I am of a mind to insist upon all of the particulars. You do realize you have just called her Elizabeth. Can you imagine the harm to her reputation, if you had done that in public? Where is your head, Darcy?" As Darcy moved to speak, Richard proceeded. "Do not answer that, I know exactly where your imaginings have strayed, but do tell me all of the particulars of your stay at Netherfield, I wish to know exactly where the traps are before my next round discourse with Miss Bennet."

As Darcy began relaying the events in Hertfordshire in excruciating detail, Richard saw precisely what had happened.

"I must congratulate you Darcy, you've managed to wield your integrity in such a way it was worse than an honest lie." Said the Colonel, bitterly resenting his cousin's behavior.

"You well know I abhor deceit. This business with Bingley brings me no pleasure."

"I daresay, that is quite an adjustment in your thinking over the past fortnight. A common liar at least tends to be honest with themself in regard to their objective. You on the other hand have persisted in lying to yourself. I must congratulate you on your ability to abhor deceit in your acquaintances, yet justify it in yourself. Few people, I think, could so blindly indulge such hypocrisy and fancy themselves a hero for such behavior."

"I did not draw the conclusions I did because I wished it, my investigations and decisions are not influenced by my hopes or fears, nor my desire to escape Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

"You have managed to ignore my point, Darcy. I trust you know it, and will see to it. As your your point, I daresay, your integrity caused you to build a case against the eldest Miss Bennet because you dared not be honest with yourself as to your motives for removing Bingley."

Darcy's indignation was apparent, but as he opened his mouth to defend himself, Richard ignored him and proceeded. "Whatever, you may have convinced yourself of Darcy, it is plain as day that you may have built a case against that young woman that justified your deceit toward Bingley, but we both know you would not have been building it in the first place, if your attraction to Miss Elizabeth did not have you in desperate need of an escape."

Darcy pondered Richard's words, and found, much to his disappointment, that his recital rang true. His integrity prevented him from forcing Bingley's abandonment for selfish motives. He wished Bingley as a safeguard of sorts for Georgiana, he also wished to remove himself from a dangerous distraction. His blood was up, and he was caught wholly unaware by this Sir William Lucus' assertion that the couple were nearly as good as engaged. So, he had skulked around the ball room, working up an argument against the match, fully believing his conduct the same as it would be if he were indifferent. He may have willfully deceived Bingley on a number of points, but it seemed now, he had been unaware that he was lying to himself about his motivations. Neither the hoped-for match with Georgianna, or the infatuation with Miss Bennet would have incited such behavior, it was the threat of being in Elizabeth's constant company that caused him to flee and deceive Bingley into cut the connection.

"You do see what you have done, have you not?" questioned Richard. "It is time you look at this situation with some honest introspection."

"I do now suppose, I should not have drawn such hasty conclusions about the eldest Miss Bennet."

"Darcy, that is hardly the concern we now have. I daresay, your self-righteous indignation may very well have created a situation that may necessitate and immediate match for our ward. "

"She is far too young to marry! Even if I were to particularly recommended it to Bingley, and agree promote his advancement in society in the best manner I was able, it would hardly signify; he would not seek a bride in a schoolroom. I would hardly have considered him, if such unworthy behavior could be expected of him."

"Swallow your spleen, Darcy. I am by no means yet willing to consider such a match. On the contrary, I suggest you go to Bingley and send him back to Miss Bennet. My ward will not suffer such reduced expectations, whatever the harm to her reputation, she has a dowery that can buy her better. "

"By accusation do you claim Bingley to be unworthy? I have known no ill of him, nor do I know any that would claim to have sufficient motive to hold a grudge against him."

"He is a gentleman like man, I will give you that much. His disposition is pleasing, but Georgiana has every expectation of making a good match, and the speculation at such a disappointing alliance may well prove worse than the truth. Half of good society would believe her a light-skirt with a side-slip on the way. Why should she suffer such reproof if her heart is not set on marrying him? Especially since, as you well know, he is in love with another, and more so, such an announcement, might very well provoke the scandal we are now trying to avoid. Are you out of you damn mind, trying to remedy this situation by making it worse? If Miss Elizabeth isn't now provoked enough to gossip, you may assume she will be if you engage your friend to your sister. You misunderstand me entirely if you think I would allow her to marry a tradesman over a damned hum that you have created. I would draw his cork if he were the one to recommend it. "

"I still believe this may all be avoided, if I have sufficient means to calm Miss Elizabeth's ire. I suppose it must be done, we shall call upon her in Cheapside when she arrives. A servant can be sent to monitor the household over the coming fortnight."

"You think then that you can intimidate her into silence? I doubt it, even if you do not have sense enough to."

"I am well enough acquainted with her, to know that I can not alarm her, even should I wish it. It seems some manner of apology may be in order for my interference. I believe, in time, she may come to see the sense in their separation, though my manner, and I am to understand now even my motive was wanting."

"Darcy, I should hope to God not. I am convinced such an apology would give more offence than the insult. I suggest you get to Bingley as fast as may, in order that they are united before her sister returns. Convince her to see sense in your interference, are you out of your mind man? It should be less of slight if you flatly refused to stand up with her. By all means, if you choose to pursue such a course, perhaps you could also insult her mother within her hearing." Richard said sarcastically but noticed the look on Darcy's face also though he had be caught. However frank he had believed Darcy to be while he relayed his time in Hertfordshire, Richard now realized he had been brutally honest about his own scrupples, and neglected the details of his interactions with others.